What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate scheme is similar to an apprenticeship but tailored by employers for recent graduates. It combines working for an employer with training and ensures that graduates get all the experience and professional skills they need to be a valuable employee and begin a successful career.

The length of a graduate scheme varies significantly, ranging from one to five or more years.  

What does the application process look like?

There are many graduate schemes available with a wide variety of companies. Recruiters will often want to see why people are a good fit for their specific scheme, so it’s important to adapt each application.

It is also important to apply in good time. The general rule is that graduate schemes are open for applications between October and February; however this can differ for each company.

The majority of graduate schemes will begin the following September.

How to boost applications?

Although many employers want to see a 2:1 or higher, they tend to be flexible about the subject studied.

Prior work experience is golden. Part-time retail or bar jobs can easily be used as valuable experience for CVs, proving professionalism and skills such as organisation, team work, and customer service.

For more careers advice, as well as hundreds of graduate schemes and internships, visit Milkround!